The holidays are a special time to enjoy the company of family and friends – and that often means sharing meals together.

Holiday gatherings centered around food can create unique challenges for people who are trying to follow strict diets or lose weight, especially because it’s easy to go overboard with food when everything is so plentiful.

With so many events and celebrations, the holiday season can sometimes feel like one continuous splurge on the cookies, cakes and candies that fill our homes and workplaces.

The holiday season isn’t the best time to start a diet, but it is a good time to practice weight control. Follow these tips to have a happy and healthy holiday season.

Make a plan

Make a list of all your holiday parties and events

If possible, think about what you will be eating at the event and plan accordingly

Avoid starving yourself before a party

Have a low-calorie, high-fiber snack before leaving for the party to help curb your appetite

Don’t skip meals on the day of the party

Keep temptation to a minimum

Socialize away from the table

Keep a low-calorie drink in your hand such as a diet soda or seltzer

Remember it is better to give than to receive

If you host a party, send the guests home with leftovers

If you receive food as a gift, enjoy some and then share with others

Always bring a healthy dish

Bring a dish with vegetables that you can fill up on while indulging in smaller amounts of the higher calorie items

Keep alcohol consumption at a safe limit

Alcohol can contribute a lot of extra calories, so try mixing with seltzer or other no- or low-calorie drinks to help cut back

Don’t start a weight loss plan

A good plan for the holidays is weight maintenance

Resume more intense weight loss plans right after the holidays

Keep Active

To control your weight and reduce stress, make regular exercise a part of your holiday schedule

Most importantly, enjoy yourself and remember that moderation is key.

For more information about weight loss and the MidState bariatric program, please call 860.224.5161